Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi to Run for Bungoma Governor in 2027
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi has finally confirmed he will be vying for the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, putting to rest speculations he would be making a repeat bid for Nairobi’s top county position.
In an interview on Radio 47 on Monday, July 7, 2025, Wanyonyi said his political future lies in Bungoma County where he was born and serving his home constituency would be the best way to end his public service career.
“As Tim Wanyonyi I’m ready to go and serve the people of Bungoma now,” he said. “The stance is that in the next general elections I will be vying for the Bungoma gubernatorial seat.”
This is a departure from Wanyonyi’s previous political trajectory. As recently as May 21, 2024 he had said he would contest for the Nairobi governorship—a position he had actively pursued during the 2022 election cycle. At the time Wanyonyi had launched his campaign and received endorsements from religious and community leaders across Nairobi.
“I remember the last time I was running for the Governor of Nairobi… I was even endorsed by pastors and also residents, and they assured me they would support me,” he recalled. “But when I went ahead there were some complications that led me not to be on the Governor’s ballot paper.”
Elected as Westlands MP in 2013 and re-elected in 2017 and 2022, Wanyonyi has built a reputation as a seasoned legislator with a strong urban constituency. His move to Bungoma is a strategic shift towards his roots in Mukwheya, Bungoma County.
The announcement comes as interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial seat grows. Former KICC chair and ex-PS Irungu Nyakera recently revealed he has aligned himself with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua through the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and hinted he would contest in Nairobi.
In a June 2 interview Nyakera stopped short of confirming his candidacy but strongly hinted at his political ambitions.
“In Nairobi I believe the party I can work with is the DCP… Right now we want the truth in Kenya—and for Nairobi. We also want development for Nairobians,” Nyakera said.This has raised eyebrows especially after he met with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka who is said to have endorsed his bid informally.
As the 2027 election cycle heats up Wanyonyi’s withdrawal from Nairobi will change the political landscape in the capital and increase competition in Bungoma County where he will face new challenges in the gubernatorial seat.
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Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi to Run for Bungoma Governor in 2027